Dental roll and method of making the same



June 30, 1931. J. w. B. LADD 1,812,655

DENTAL ROLL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed May 2, 1928 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 P2 Invenio 2 J0 72/77) W15 .11 adli w m gw m a June 30, 1931. w, LADD 1,812,655

DENTAL ROLL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed May 2, 1928 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 30, 1931. w. a. LADD DENTAL ROLL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed May 2. 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 .Invenior John WBJJadd,

Patented June 30, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DENTAL ROLL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE sum Application filed May 2, 1928.

This invention relates to an absorbent dental roll, and a method of making the same. The invention will be best understood by reference to the following description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of one specific embodiment o the roll and of an apparatus for making the same, while its scope will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dental roll exemplifying the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same on a much enlarged scale;

5 Fig. 3 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, showing the several layers of the soft, fiufiy sheet of paper, which is one of the elements of the roll;

Figs. 4 to 7, inclusive, are side elevations of 0 portions of the apparatus used in carr ing out some of the steps in the method of ma ing the roll;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the apparatus; Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the apparatus as viewed from the left-hand end of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan of the apparatus. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, and to the article exemplifying the invention, there is shown a dental roll 14, comprising a body 15 of highly absorbent paper, having a soft and fiuffy texture. Referring to Fig. 3, which shows a piece of this paper on a very much enlarged scale with the layers partially separated, the sheet employed in the present example is composed of several layers 16, herein five in number, although it should be understood that the number may be varied to suit the desired dimensions of the completed roll, and to suit the particular method of manufacture which is chosen. With this number of layers, the sheet, when not under compression, is appipximately to of an inch thick. is material, though possessing the greatly desired characteristic of being highly absorbent, has a marked tendency to become disintegrated when wet. In this embodiment, therefore, I have combined with the absorbent paper a body 17 of absorbent cotton, which, although far less absorbent than the Serial No. 274,594.

paper, nevertheless has little or no tendency to become disinte rated when wet. The two bodies are so com ined that the body of absorbent cotton serves as a binder for the body of absorbent paper, thereb to prevent disintegration of the latter. n the present example, the absorbent paper is in the nature of a core, and the absorbent cotton is in the nature of a wrapper or jacket about the core.

In the present instance, the two bodies are conveniently combined by rolling the sheet of absorbent paper upon itself, and by rolling the absorbent cotton about the absorbent paper, but with a portion of the absorbent cotton interposed between two convolutions of the absorbent paper, the relative widths and the placing of the two sheets being such that when the winding of the roll is completed, the sheet of absorbent cotton constitutes a complete wrapper for the absorbent paper, leaving none of the latter exposed at the circumferential surface of the roll, as will be evident from an inspection of Fig. 2.

Best results are obtained by having the fibers of the absorbent paper extending lengthwise of the completed roll, as itis found that the paper has much less tendency to unwind when the fibers are lengthwise than is the case of the fibers extend circumferentially. In the present example, the fibers of the absorbent cotton, as well as those of the absorbent paper, extend lengthwise of the completed roll.

Applied to the periphery of the roll is an appropriate binder, herein a coating 18 of ad esive such as starch, which sticks the outer end of the cotton to the next convolution of the latter, and prevents the roll from unwinding. The starch coating lays the nap, or fuzz, of the cotton so that the latter resents a smooth, non-clinging exterior. e rolls can then be handled without adhering to one another, and without becoming fuzzy. The nature of this starch coating is such that when the roll is completed, the coating is comparatively insoluble, and the roll will not come apart when it comes in contact with the saliva in the mouth.

One satisfactory coating is made by the use of a thick, boiling corn-starch in the edges.

proportions of a0 grams of the starch to 200 cubic centimeters of water. The starch is placed in cold water, which is then heated and stirred briskly while heating, until the mixture coagulates. It should be as thick as possible without lumping, when applied. If desired, a suitable preservative, such as per cent. boric acid may be added, to give the starch keepin qualities, and to keep the finished rolls rom mildewing. In preparing the starch, accurate temperature control is desirable, as the stickiness of the starch is affected thereby.

In practice, it is found that if the starch coating be allowed to dry at ordinary room temperatures, the coating is apt to lack firmness. Best results are secured by baking the roll at a temperature of from 180 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of approximately four minutes. The practicable limits are between one minute at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and five minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature and the time of baking are dependent largely u on the size of the oven and the number of ro Is in it. It is evident that the more rolls there are in the oven, the more moisture is given off during the bakin One metho of assembling the paper and the cotton is to superimpose the sheet of paper 15 upon the sheet of cotton 17, with one overlapping the other see Fi 8 and 10). The next step is to rol the s act of paper upon itself transversely of the overlapping It is found that the two sheets adhere to each other so well that, as the rolling is continued, the sheet of paper picks up the sheet of cotton, and the latter is rolled with the former, until, as shown in Fig. 2, the remainingmargin of the cotton overlaps the remaining margin of the paper, and overlies a preceding part of the last convolution of the cotton. The coating of starch can then be applied, and the roll baked.

The rolling is conveniently accomplished by the use of two non-slipping surfaces, one moving relatively to the other transversely of the axis of rotation of the roll,that is to say, one surface moves generally parallel with the other with the sheet between them. Referring to Fig. 8, I have shown for this purpose two bodies 19 and 20. An important point in picking up the edge of the paper and starting the rolling action is the fact that the body 20 has a portion 21 which diverges from the body 19, and herein is convexly curved. One convenient way of providing these bodies with non-slipping surfaces is to face them with sand paper, or emery cloth, and in Fi 8, I have shown the body 19 provided wit such a facing 22, and the body 20 provided with such a facing 23. If the bodies are made of wood, these facing-s may be cemented or lued on, or they may be fastened by tacks. f, however,the bodies are made of metal, they may be suitably roughened, as by knurling or grooving them, thus to provide very shallow ribs extendin transversely of the direction of movement 0 the body 20 relatively to the body 19.

In the ,present example, the body 19 is in the nature of a platen forming a part of a table having two longitudinal frame members 24 secured to the sides of the platen, and provided with legs 25 to rest u on the floor. These members are prolonge beyond the platen (toward the left in Fig. 8), and constitute rails which support and guide the body 20. It is important that the surfaces 22 and 23 be slightly separated from each other prior toand at the commencement of the rolling operation, and that a definite downward pressure be applied. The body 20 is arranged to gravitate toward the body 19, as by being rovided with two rockers 26, adapted to ri e along the rails 24. The body 20 is so balanced that its upwardly curved portion 21 tends to gravitate toward the body 19. This can be accomplished by proper placing of the rockers 26 relatively to the center of gravity of the body 20. In the present instance, the body 20 is provided with rearwardly extending arms 27, connected to each other by a cross-bar 28, and to these arms counterbalance weights 29 are secured. In an event, the proportions should be such that t e front end tends to gravitate toward the rails, and to exert a slight downward pressure, usuallyonly a few ounces. The degree of pressure will determine the compactness of the completed roll.

To secure best results, there should be a slight initial space (herein approximately 3; between the front end of the body 20 and the face of the platen 19, so that the former shall not rub on the latter. Minimum separation is predetermined by the use of shoes 30, carried by the body 20, and adapted to ride on the upper surfaces of guide 31 secured to the sides of the rails 24. These shoes also prevent lateral movement of the front end of the body 20 with relation to the rails. Lateral movement of the rear end of the body is prevented by similar dependipg projections 32, carried by the arms 27 ad acent the rear end of the body.

Backward movement of the body 20 (toward the left in Fig. 8) is limited by appropriate means, herein stops 33 arranged in the path of the rear edge of the body 20. These stops-are conveniently mounted on a transverse bar 34, connecting the rails 24. These stops also serve to limit the forward movement of the body 20, by reason'of the fact that when the latter is moved forward, the bar 28 the arms 2 strikes said stops.

The body may be pushed forward without disturbing its balance bvplacing thefingers against the rear face of a handle 35 (see which connects the rear ends of F'g. 10) adjacent the fulcrum point of the body. During the rearward, non-Working movement of the body, its balance is a. matter of no particular consequence, and it may be lifted and propelled rearwardly by grasping a handle 36 connecting a pair of uprights 37 on said body.

The operation of this part of the apparatus will now be described, reference bein had at first to Fig. 10. A sheet of cotton 1 of the desired width ,and len h is first laid upon the non-slipping sur ace 22 of the platen 19. In practice, this strip is usually approximately 24 inches long, and approximately 2 to 3 inches wide, it being understood that the fibers of the cotton extend lengthwise of the strip. The width of the platen should exceed the length of the strip of cotton by a snflicient margin say to 1", at each end of the latter.

The next step is to superimpose the strip of paper 15 upon the strip of cotton 17. The length of the strip of paper will be the same as that'of the strip of cotton, and its width somewhat greater than that of the cotton. Naturally, the widths of these strips will vary in accordance with the diameters of the completed rolls which it is desired to make. The placing of the strip of paper on the platen may be determined accurately by the use of gage lines 38 and 39 on the surface of the platen. The placing of these lines. considered with reference to the widths of the strips, will naturally predetermine the degree of overlap of one strip upon the other.

The next step is to push the body 20 forward from the position shown in Figs. 8 and 10 toward the position shown in Fig. 4. The upwardly curved portion 21 of the surface 23 now encounters the adjacent edge of the paper, and starts to roll the latter upon itself, as shown in Fig. 4. Just as soon as the rolling starts, the front end of the body 20 commences to rise under the influence of the roll therebeneath (see Fig. 5), and presently the cotton, which clings to the paper, likewise commences to roll up, as shown in Fig. 5. As the rofiing action proceeds to the final position shown in Fig. 6, the front end of the body 20 continues to rise. Of course, the travel of the body 20 along the platen 19 is twice that of the roll between them.

The assembling of the two sheets. is now complete, and the roll is ready for the application of the starch. One convenient method of applying the starch is by first applying a coat of starch to the surface of the platen 19, and then causing the roll to traverse this coated area. The coatin of the platen with a strip of starch of the esired width is conveniently accomplished by the use of a roller 40, first coated with starch andthen rolled across the platen. The circumference of the starch roller should be substantially the same 7 as the width of the platen, so that no portion of the roller shall contact with the laten more than once during its traverse of t- 10 latter. Accurate placing of the strip of starch may be predetermined by the use of one or more gage lines 41, extending transversely of the platen. Best results are secured by having the width of the strip of starch approximately twice the circumference of the absorbent roll. This insures the application of a suflicient amount of starch to prevent the occurrence of more or less dry spots here and there.

After the strip of starch has been applied to the platen, the roll is then rolled a long the platen across the starched area, the width of which is at least as great as the circumference of the roll to be starched. This is conveniently accomplished in the present example by mechanism now to be described, reference being bad at first to Fig. 8. A nonslipping, endless belt 42, herein conveniently made of textile fabric such as cotton, and having a width at least as great as the length of the roll, is carried b ulleys 43 and 44, which are secured to s a 45 and 46, respectively. These shafts turn in bearings presented by a frame comprising two arms 47, by means of which the belt ma be carried toward and from the platen. erein, this frame to this end is pivotally mounted rolonging the shaft 45 to extend throu ii arings presented by brackets 48 on t e table. The belt is conveniently driven in the direction of the arrow ad'acent thereto by a crank 49. secured to the s aft 45.

When the platen is being coated with paste by the roller 40, the belt is conveniently held up out of the way, as by swinging the same slightly beyond the vertical (see Fig. 8), further movement in such direction being limited by a stop, herein a bar 50 connecting the brackets 48, and disposed in the paths of the arms 47, but shaped to avoid interference with the belt 42.

When the paste roller has been withdrawn,

the belt is lowered until it rests upon the.

roll. The pressure of the belt no the roll is conveniently predetermined by securing to one of the arms 47 an arm M. which carries an adjustable counterbalance weight 52. Deflection of the belt where it contacts with the roll is conveniently avoided by the use of a backing plate or bar 53, carried by the arms 47 in contact with the inner surface of the belt.

After the belt has been brought down upon the roll, the belt is driven in the proper direction to cause the latter to propel the roll along the platen, and to traverse the coating of starch previously applied thereto. Continued movement of the belt carries the now starched roll to the endof the platen, where it may be deposited into a receptacle,

or carried awa b an a ropriate means to the oven whei'e iilis t be li aked.,,

The method and mode of operation of the apparatus will now be reviewed briefly. The two layers of material are placed in overla ping relationship upon the platen in t e proper predetermined positions. The body 20 is then moved forward alon the platen 19 a distance predetermined by t e described stops to the position shown in Fi 6. The b y 20 is then lifted by asping t e handle 36, and is moved backwar and restored to its initial position shown in Fi 7. The starch roller is then rolled across t platen in the predetermined path, and after the starch roller has been carried out of the way,the belt is brought down u on the absorbent roll, and hence causes the atter to traverse the previously coated surface of the platen. The

belt is then restored to its elevated position,

and the cycle of operationsis completed.

The described method and ap ratus may be em loyed to make not only t e composite rolls 0 S11 rposed layers of cotton and paper, but may used also with equal success in the manufacture of rolls of cotton alone, or paper alone, both of which have been made successfully.

Having thus described one embodiment of the roll, and one method of making the same but without limiting myself thereto, what i claim and desire by Letters Patent to secure is:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a sheet of absorbent material rolle upon itself in the ap roximate form of a c lmder, and a binder o comparatively inso vent adhesive material on and about the cylindrical surface of said cylinder.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a dentel roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprisin a sheet of absorbent material rolled upon itself in the ap roximate form of a c linder and a binder of comparatively inso vent adhesive material by which said sheet is prevented from unrolling when wet with sahva.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a sheet of absorbent paper which is coiled, and a binder of adhesive material by which said paper is prevented from uncoiling when wet with saliva.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a sheet of absorbent cotton which is coiled, and a binder of adhessive material by which said cotton is preventedfrom uncoiling when wet with saliva.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the mouth, the same comprising a body of absorbent material which tends to become disintegrated when wet with the saliva, a wrapper umour of absorbent material which has practically no tendenc to become disintegrated when wet, and a inder of comparatively insolvent adhesive material on and about said wrap er.

6. As a new article of manufacture, a ental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a body of absorbent paper a wrapper of absorbent cotton about said paper and extendin between convolutions of the latter; and an adhesive binder about said wrap er.

7 s a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbin saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a ody of absorbent paper a wrapper of absorbent cotton about said pa 1 and a covering of adhesive material on an about said wrapper.

8. As a new'article of manufacture, a den- Y tal roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same com rising a sheet of absorbent material rolled upon itself in the approximate form of a cylinder, the fibers of said material extending lengthwise of the cylinder, and means by which said material is prevented from unrolling.

, 9. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising a sheet of absorbent paper rolled upon itself in the approximate form of a cylinder, a wrapper about said paper, and a binder extending entirely about said wrap per.

10. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising absorbent sheet material rolled upon itself in the approximate form of a cylinder and a covering about said cylinder, said covering being comparatively insolvent when wet with saliva.

11. As a new article of manufacture,a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth, the same comprising absorbent sheet material rolled upon itself in the approximate form of a cylinder. and a coating of starch on and about said cylinder, said covering being comparatively insolvent when wet with saliva.

12. As a new article of manufacture, a dental roll for absorbing saliva in the mouth. the same comprising a plurality of layers of absorbent paper having a soft and flufly texture wound to provide a core. the fibers of the paper extending lengthwise of the roll a layer of absorbent cotton wound about said core and having a part which extends between two adjacent convolutions of said core, and a coating of starch about the external surface of said cotton and securing the same in place about said core.

13. The art of making dental rolls, which comprises winding a. sheet of absorbent material upon itself to form a cylindrical roll and applying on and about said roll an adhesive material which, after drying, is comparatively insolvent when wet with saliva 14. The art of making dental rolls, which comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself to form a cylindrical roll and applying on and about said roll an adhesive material which dries and forms about said roll a binder to keep it from unwindin 15. The art of making dental rolls, whic comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself to form a cylindrical roll and aplplying a starch solution on and about said r0 1. a

16. The art of making dental rolls, which comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself and rolling said material along a surface coated with an adhesive.

17. The art of maln'ng dental rolls, which comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself to form a cylindrical roll, applying a coating of adhesive on and about said roll, and drying said adhesive by the application of heat.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

JOHN W. B. LADD.

comprises winding :1. sheet of absorbent material u on itself to form a cylindrical roll and app ying on and about said roll an adhesive material which dries and forms about said roll a binder to keep it from unwindin 15. The art of making dental rolls, whic comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself to form a cylindrical roll and apl lflymg a starch solution on and about said ro 16. The art of making dental rolls, which comprises winding a sheet of absorbent material upon itself and rolling said material along a surface coated with an adhesive.

17. The art of making dental rolls, which CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. l. 812, 655.

Granted June 30, i931, to

JOHN W. B. LADD.

it is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, line 109, for "guide 31" read guides 31; page 3, line 113, for "no" read on; page 4, line 52, claim 3, and line 58, claim 4, respectively, before the word "adhesive" insert the words camparatively insolvent; same page, lines 62 and 63, claim 5. strike out the words "the mouth," second occurrence; line 117, claim 12, after the word "roll" insert a comma; and that the said Lettera Patent ahould be read with these corrections therein that the name may conform to the record of the cane in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of September, A. n. 1931.

(Seal) M. J. Moore, Acting Ccnniaaioner of Patenta.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,812,655. Granted June 30, 1931. to

JOHN W. B. LADD.

it is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, line 109, for "guide 31" read guides 31; page 3, line 113, for "no" read on; page 4, line 52, claim'3, and line 58, claim 4, respectively, before the word "adhesive" insert the words camparatively insolvent; same page, lines 62 and 63, claim 5. strike out the words "the mouth," second occurrence; line 117, claim 12, after the word "roll" insert a comma; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the name may conform to the record of the one in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of September. A. D. 1931.

M, J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Comiaaioner of Patenta. 

